Leigh Academy Blackheath graded Outstanding by Ofsted

Trustees and staff at Leigh Academy Blackheath were delighted to receive an overall grade of Outstanding at their recent Ofsted inspection in December 2022, having been evaluated as outstanding in each of the four areas of inspection: Quality of Education, Behaviour and Attitudes, Personal Development and Leadership and Management. Leigh Academy Blackheath is part of the Leigh Academies Trust which encompasses 30 primary, secondary and special academies across Kent, Medway and South East London.

Inspectors highlighted that ‘LAB provides a curriculum which matches and far exceeds the ambition of the national curriculum’ and ‘this high ambition is the same for pupils with SEND.’ 

Inspectors found that ‘Pupils’ behaviour in class and around the school is ‘superb’ and ‘classrooms are calm places where pupils can focus on their learning’. Furthermore, ‘Pupils show high levels of respect for each other’s differences’ and ‘they embrace the extensive opportunities for personal development the school provides’.

In the report, inspectors also noted that, at Leigh Academy Blackheath, ‘Pupils become articulate and confident’ and that ‘they are proud to be part of this school community’. Additionally, ‘Staff are proud to work at this school where everyone’s contribution is valued’.

The Academy’s Principal, Emma Smith, who has led the academy since its opening, was delighted with the report as it recognises the school’s commitment to maximising the potential of every child: by teaching them the skills they need to be successful and nurturing a desire to be a lifelong learner. 

‘This report validates the drive and commitment of all members of our learning community – staff, students and their families; and recognises the sense of belonging we have built together since our opening in 2018. Our values – of Respect, Integrity, Scholarship, Ambition and Resilience – permeate everything we do at LAB, and they shone brightly during the visit, as they do throughout the report’.